Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

6-Day Sri Lanka Heritage and Wildlife Tour with Scenic Train to Ella

6 Days Round trip from Colombo Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore five UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Sri Lanka
02 Witness wild elephants during a Minneriya or Kaudulla safari
03 Travel through tea plantations and waterfalls in the hill country
04 Enjoy the world-famous scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella

Discover Sri Lanka on a six-day journey through ancient cities, wildlife reserves, hill country, and cultural landmarks. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore Polonnaruwa and Dambulla, witness elephants on safari, and experience Kandy's sacred traditions. Travel through tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty hills before enjoying the world-famous scenic train journey to Ella. Visit Nine Arches Bridge, relax in charming towns, and return to Colombo with lasting memories of Sri Lanka's heritage, landscapes, cuisine, and warm hospitality throughout this private guided experience.

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla, Matale, Kurunegala, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Minneriya National Park, Habarana, Bandarawela, Kaudulla National Park, Adam's Peak

Languages Afrikaans, Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Colombo to Sigiriya and Sunset at Sigiriya Rock

Early morning pickup from Colombo or the airport.
Stop for refreshments at Kurunegala Elephant Rock View Point.
Check in and rest at the hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Admire panoramic sunset views from the summit.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Sigiriya or Habarana.

Day 02

Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Minneriya Safari

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Explore the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by walking or cycling.
Have lunch near Parakrama Samudraya Lake.
Experience an evening jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, famous for elephant gatherings.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Sigiriya or Habarana.

Day 03

Dambulla Cave Temple and Cultural Kandy

Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Drive to Kandy with an optional stop at the Matale Spice Garden.
Enjoy lunch en route.
Check in at the hotel in Kandy.
Visit Kandy View Point and enjoy a lakeside walk.
Attend an evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Watch a traditional Kandyan cultural dance show.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 04

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through Tea Country

Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
Drive through scenic tea plantations.
Visit a tea factory and enjoy a tasting session.
Have lunch near Ramboda Waterfall.
Stop for photographs at Ramboda Falls.
Check in at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 05

Scenic Train Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station.
Experience the world-famous scenic train journey to Ella in second-class reserved seating.
Enjoy lunch in Ella.
Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge.
Take an optional hike to Little Adam's Peak.
Spend free time relaxing at cafés in the evening.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Ella.
Travel by private vehicle if train tickets are unavailable.

Day 06

Ella to Colombo via Waterfalls

Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Visit Ravana Falls or Diyaluma Falls if time permits.
Enjoy lunch in Bandarawela or Hatton.
Transfer back to Colombo or enjoy airport drop-off.
Conclude the tour with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka.

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Ancient City, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Colombo 14 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private air-conditioned luxury vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Carefully selected three-star hotels with upgrade options
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Licensed national tour guide
Bottled water, government taxes, and service charges
Travel insurance

What's Not Included

International airfare
Visa fees
Personal expenses, including laundry, phone calls, minibar, and tips
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Camera and video permits at certain sites
Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
Meals or drinks not specified in the package
All entrance fees, including UNESCO sites, safari, and train tickets
Minneriya or Kaudulla elephant safari
Scenic hill country train journey

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
Light cotton clothing for warm regions
Warm jacket or sweater for Nuwara Eliya and Ella
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Rain jacket or umbrella
Reusable water bottle
Personal medications and basic first aid items
Modest clothing for temple visits
Camera or mobile phone with sufficient storage

Know before you go

Most travelers can obtain a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online prior to arrival. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
This tour is ideal year-round.
Dry weather in the Cultural Triangle: May-September.
Hill country best views: January-April & July-September.
Scenic train tickets are subject to availability. If unavailable, travel will be arranged by private vehicle with no reduction in experience.
Wildlife sightings vary as animals roam freely. Elephant sightings are common but not guaranteed.
Remove shoes at temples.
No hats or revealing clothing inside sacred sites.
Photography restrictions may apply at religious places.
Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) are used locally. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, but cash is recommended for small shops.
Drink bottled or filtered water only.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists.